Recommended Itinerary
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ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO AIRPORT / NEGOMBO
Upon arrival in Colombo Airport, you would be welcomed and greeted by our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Negombo for check-in (Time 1400 hrs daily).Evening: visit Negombo.
Negombo - a famous fishing village North of Colombo, with a Dutch built Canal. The canal itself is a hive of activity with fishermen traveling up and down in their gaily-painted boats. On the shores of the canal you will find many homes and churches and many species of birds including spectacular Kingfishers. Catamaran trips in the sea and boat trips in canal can be organized. Diving facilities are available in this quaint village. The streets on either side of the Hotels are dotted with Souvenir Shops, Restaurants etc. Dinner and overnight stay is in Negombo. -
NEGOMBO / PINNAWELA / KANDY
After your breakfast, transfer to Kandy en route visiting the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - Approx. 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo - Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the 23 baby elephants born as a result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs and 1400-1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by. Check-in at the hotel.
Late evening: witness the annual Kandy Esala Perahera.
The Esala Perahera - is the grand festival of Esala held in Sri Lanka. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandyan dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'. The significance of this great event is to invoke blessings of the gods to give the farmers rain to cultivate their crops. This ritual is performed by carrying the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha through the city streets which is done with great ceremony. The tooth relic was brought to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the year 310 AD and the first Perahera was performed in Anuradhapura the first capital where the sacred relic was housed. Even as the capitals were shifted for security reasons due to invasions the tooth relic went with it too and was much revered and always in the custody of the king. Finally finding a permanent resting place in the hill capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom Kandy, It lies in the "Dalada Maligawa" (Palace of the Tooth Relic) which was built by king Wimaladharmasuriya in the 16th century. This three-story building erected solely for the purpose of housing. The Sacred Relic still stands and is the most visited and important temple of Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. -
KANDY / PERADENIYA / KANDY
After breakfast visit the Kandy city with an early morning visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Visit the Dalada Maligawa where Buddhists all over the world venerate the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Watch the traditional rituals performed daily by the religious dignitaries of the temple in keeping with the cultural heritage of the country. The 'Raja Wasala' and the 'Magul Maduwa' within the Royal Palace complex dating back to 1784 explains the unique wooden craftsmanship in this historic temple.
Sri Lanka's second city is Kandy, a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for its great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years independently until the British took over in 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. The incomparable Perahera celebration, a procession of more than 100 elephants, is held during the month of August every year. The City of Kandy was known in the early days as "Senkadagalapura", is a World Heritage Site. Kandy lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, resembling a sheet of green velvet covering the hills. A modern commercialized location serving as the hub of the central province remains the Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka with a rich heritage of living monuments. At the centre of the city lie an artificial lake and the temple of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is the holiest shrine in the country. The 'Upper Lake Drive' will give a panoramic view of the City of Kandy. In this city, it is also a good shopping location to see and purchase Gem and Jewellery, Handicrafts, Silks and other items. A complete introduction to all Sri Lanka Gems is made when one visits a Gem and Jewellery emporium.
Also visit a spice garden in Matale.
For centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka's celebrated exports. Spices are grown mostly in home gardens (as a home industry) and used to flavor food as well as for medicine and cosmetics. Visit a spice garden and sample scents and flavors such as cinnamon, ginger, pepper, vanilla, cardamom etc.
Thereafter, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is located less than four miles from Kandy on the Colombo road. Being 1540 feet above sea level, it covers approximately 150 acres and well known for its large variety of plants and creepers. The best attraction is the orchid house, which houses more than 300 orchids and the nutmeg grove. Established in 1821 the garden receives an annual rainfall of 85" and recently highlighted in the New Strait Times of America as "One of the Best Kept Secrets of Kandy". Late evening: witness the annual Kandy Esala Perahera. Dinner and overnight stay is at the hotel in Kandy. -
KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast, transfer to Nuwara Eliya a tea plantation and a factory.
A journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams takes you to the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, Nuwara Eliya. Located approximately 2000 meters above sea level this town resembles 'English' with its colonial architecture gaining prominence. The temperature averages 10 0 C and high mountain peaks including Pidurutalagala is within this district. Vegetable plantations, scenic flower gardens, strawberry nurseries, walkways and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens are places of interest.
It is generally accepted that the discovery of tea occurred in ancient China. The Chinese believe that it was their Emperor Shen- Nung in 2737 BC who first tasted tea. The story goes that while he was boiling his drinking water a few leaves from a wild tea bush accidentally fell into the water. The Emperor liked the delicate flavor they imparted to the water and so the art of tea making was born. Ceylon tea is acclaimed as the best Tea in the world. The influence of climatic conditions imparts to the product a variety of flavors and aromas, synonymous with quality. The cultivation and manufacture of tea is a highly skilled, scientific and technical process, with Sri Lanka producing some of the most fragrant teas in the world. Check-in at hotel.
Evening: visit the city and Hakgala Gardens.
Nuwara Eliya, which means the "city of lights" is also known as the city of eternal spring, where the air is pure, cool and distilled up through 1,884 meters. Windswept peaks lie shrouded in mist, while gaily-clad tea pluckers wind their way between the tea bushes.
Listen to the wild music of the waterfalls. This is a holiday resort ideal for hiking, golfing and boating - the setting is a nostalgic reminder of the English countryside. Dinner and overnight stay at is Nuwara Eliya. -
NUWARA ELIYA / YALA
After breakfast, transfer to Yala and check-in is at the hotel.
Later afternoon: visit Yala National Park on a 4x4 Jeep Safari.
Yala is approximately 1,259 sq. km in extent and is located in the southeastern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is a varied course of flat plains altering with rocky outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parklands to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The specialty here is the large numbers of elephants. Dinner and overnight stay is at Yala -
YALA / GALLE / BENTOTA
After breakfast, transfer to Bentota en route visiting Galle.
Galle is a living "World Heritage Site" and the capital of Sri Lanka during the Dutch period. The walled city has stood since the early sixteenth century, through the colonial periods of the Portuguese (1587 AD), Dutch (1640 AD) and British (1796 AD) and in the present time is proclaimed as an archaeological reserve. Galle is famous for lace making, ebony carving, and gem cutting and polishing. Dinner and overnight stay is at Bentota.geoffrey bawa holiday tour -
BENTOTA
After breakfast, full day is at leisure on the beach or by the pool.
At the other end of "The Golden Mile" is Bentota, a popular tourist destination. An hour and a half drive from Colombo will bring you to this well-developed town that sits on an estuary where the river and the sea meet. This makes Bentota famous for windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Boat rides on the 'Bentara Ganga' will take you to islands, which are worth exploring. Excursions to Kosgoda, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Galle, could be arranged from this town. Accommodations ranging from five star hotels to guesthouses are available in abundance. Dinner and overnight stay is at the hotel. -
BENTOTA / COLOMBO / NEGOMBO
After breakfast, transfer to Negombo via visiting the commercial capital Colombo.
The city of Colombo was until recently Sri Lanka's capital city. Colombo is the nation's financial hub, a diverse blend of colonial architecture and modern high-rise buildings. The Pettah area, in the heart of the city is a hive of activity. Traders and payment hawkers flock to Pettah and this is where the best bargains are available. The hustle and bustle of Pettah is in stark contrast to the Colombo Fort area where many high-rise buildings are found. Colombo is the venue for the world famous 'Tea Auction'. Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Wolfendall Kirk, Town Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Zoological Gardens and the new Parliamentary Complex are some attractions in Colombo. Colombo is considered a `shopper's paradise' with many shopping complexes selling garments of Sri Lankan origin and designer wear at bargain prices. The Royal Colombo Golf Club in close proximity to the city affords you an absorbing game of golf. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from the verandah of the Galle Face Hotel whilst sipping a cup of Ceylon Tea. When dusk falls, Colombo comes alive where nightlife is at its best. Arrive and check-in at the hotel for rest, dinner and overnight stay is in Negombo. -
NEGOMBO / DEPARTURE FOR DELHI
After breakfast, from the hotel, transfer to the international airport for your india (delhi) flight
(Passengers must report to airport 03 hrs prior to the scheduled departure flight time)
Arrive at Delhi, You are then driven to your hotel where you are assisted with your check in. The next day's plans are briefly reviewed and the Travel Facilitator. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.fatehpur sikri, agra tour -
DELHI SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Delhi. Start with Old Delhi. Enjoy Rickshaw Ride in the busy alley of Chadni Chowk, then visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. After visiting Old Delhi, explore New Delhi, visit India Gate- a memorable monument built in the honor of Indian soldiers, Rastrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) & Lotus Temple. Later visit Qutub Minaret.
Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi. -
DELHI / JAIPUR (265 KM / 5 HRS DRIVE)
Visit morning Laxmi Narayan Temple in Delhi then visit Giant Shiva Statue and drive to Jaipur. Arrival jaipur & transfer to hotel. And Pink city Jaipur Bazar and Hawa Mahal visit.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Jaipur. -
JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
Early morning after breakfast, Excursion to Amer Fort and enjoy elephant ride at Amer Fort : Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar's army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Then continue sightseeing of Jaipur Pink City , visit and shop at textile industry then visit City Palace of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and Jantar Mantar(Observatory)Built by Raja Jai Singh.
Overnight stay will be at Hotel in Jaipur. -
JAIPUR / FATEHPUR-SIKRI / AGRA
After breakfast, drive towards Agra. En- route visit Mughal Dynasty's Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent red sandstone fort. It was established by the Emperor Akbar in commemorate of Saint Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of three sons to Akbar. It was the capital of Emperor Akbar but the city was abandoned dramatically mainly due to lack of water.
Continue drive towards Agra. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. -
AGRA SIGHTSEEING - DELHI
Agra is famous for one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory of his beloved MumtazMahal. This beautiful mausoleum, called TajMahal, took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20.000 craftsmen and master builders who came from all over Asia to join in the great work. The marble, India's finest, was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur.
The day starts early as we offer you to visit the great monument by sun rise. After the visit we return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit Agra Fort One of the large fortified residences built at various strategic points of Mughal Empire. Started in 1565, it took eight years to complete its construction. Continue drive towards Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi. -
FLY TO KATHMANDU
This is the day of your arrival in Kathmandu airport (TIA). At the airport, your tour guide welcomes you and then transfers you to your hotel. After refreshment, we will go to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Situated in the heart of the city, Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the attractive monuments you visit during your trip in Nepal. This complex of temples and old royal palace (Durbar) of the city represents Nepalese art and architecture linking the old with the new ones. This site has played central role in political, cultural and artistic life of the country. The oldest monument dates back to 12th century where Durbar square flourished in the 17th, 19th century during the reign if Malla and Shah Monarchs. In this tour in Nepal, you will get an opportunity to see Kumari, the living goddess. 'Kumari Chhen', a building with beautifully carved doors and windows, houses a little girl whom people worship as living goddess of power. People consider that will bring good luck if they get chance to look at her. Get 'Darshan' (glimpse) of her and be blessed for your onward trip in Nepal. Overnight in hotel. -
THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY'S TOURS ARE SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA, PATAN DURBAR SQUARE, PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE AND BOUDDHANATH STUPA.
Swayambhunath Stupa aka the Monkey Temple: Swayambhunath (the self-existent) is a widely known Buddhist monument on a hillock, to west of central Kathmandu. The shrine is approximately 2600 years old and is still a glorious and eye-catchy for the visitors. Because of the presence of holy and tricky monkeys in the premises of the monument, the stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple. Due to the visit to this site by the famous Indian emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BC, this monument is a historical pilgrimage since ancient time. A common temple for both Hindus and Buddhists in the complex of stupa symbolizes religious tolerance in Nepal.
Patan Durbar Square: Located in 7 Km south east of Kathmandu and founded in the 3rd century AD, Patan is the oldest among the 3 cities in the valley. Patan, historically known as Lalitpur (city of fine arts), has fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments with finest craft since time immemorial. The royal palace square, surrounding shrines and courtyards are praiseworthy monuments during your trip in Nepal. The palace, a number of pagodas, Shikhara style Krishna temple made of stone, classic craftsmanship, nearby five� storied Kumbheshwar temple and the golden temple are some of the main highlights of Patan. Though we can see ancient temples, Stupas and monasteries in the city, Durbar square consists of monuments from 16th and 17th century in general.
Pashupatinath Temple: Being a Mecca for Hindus of the world, the temple seemed to have its origin away back to the early Kirant period. However, the present structure dates back to early 18th century. The main Shiva temple is most noted for its gold-painted roof and silver coated doors in each four directions. This holy site is also famous for open public crematorium. See the devotion of people to Pashupatinath, dedicated Sadhus- the holy men, post death rituals and the strange monkeys in the premises of the shrine.
Bouddhnath Stupa: Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, is set in the octagonal Mandala design. It is the must visit site for the Tibetan Buddhists since the legend of the Stupa is related to the Tibetans. It's almost Tibetan settlement area with dozens of monasteries in its surroundings. This ancient Stupa has 108 images of deities and 147 insets of prayer wheels adorning the base of the huge dome. -
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Early in the morning, you could enjoy optional mountain flight tours to mount Everest. In the afternoon, we will tour to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the dusk, you will be capturing sunset view from Nagarkot.
Optional Mountain flight to the Everest: Using a modern jet-stream aircraft, enjoy glorious Himalayas from the height of approximately 25,000 feet. This breathtaking journey takes you close to the highest point of the world - Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak), Makalu, Cho-Yu, Lhoste, as well as Tibetan plateau. During your flight above the clouds, you will get lifetime approach to the glaciers, lakes, rivers and gorges from your individual window. Enjoy aerial photography capturing magnificent landscapes of Nepal. As an alternative of this one-hour flight, you can have helicopter flight as well.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This Square is an open museum holding exciting palace, courtyards, royal bath, sculptures, pagodas, Shikhara style temples and Buddhist monastery along with exclusive architecture. In other words, this is the most beautiful Durbar you visit in your Nepal tours. Though 1934 earthquake brought bad luck to its structure, still the remaining monuments are the finest examples of the medieval excellence. Just near the square, you will visit the traditional painting School, the dying art of Nepal which is the best souvenir from Nepal. Besides palace complex, five storied temple with most appreciated architecture, the Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square and Peacock window are some other things to see in Bhaktapur.
Nagarkot: Nagarkot tour offers countryside drive after your couple of days in Nepal. Nagarkot, literally known as 'the fort of the town', was army training centre in the past. In the recent years, it is developed as resort village. Located 15 Km far from the Bhaktapur main city and 30 Km east of Kathmandu, it is an ideal place to enjoy hide and seek with the sun. Besides sunrise and sunset view, this is also one of the best places to enjoy the glimpse of mountain range if the weather is clear. -
CHITWAN
This morning, you will enjoy sunrise view from your hotel at Nagarkot. After breakfast, we will drive to Chitwan. It's 180 Km south-west of Kathmandu; 5-6 hours in driving distance. Alternatively, you can fly to Chitwan from Kathmandu airport which takes just 25 minutes. Village tour in Chitwan: In the afternoon, we will go to visit local village. As our Nepal tour package offers various chances to feel Nepalese culture and lifestyle, today you will be with Tharus, the indigenous people of southern lowland of Nepal. After observing their daily life and museum, we will be back to our resort where you will enjoy cultural Stick Dance of Tharus.
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THIS IS THE DAY OF JUNGLE SAFARI IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK.
It includes elephant back safari, nature walk, a visit to elephant breeding camp and canoeing along Rapti River which offers an opportunity to watch various flora and fauna including baby elephants, rhino, crocodiles and a number of bird species.
Chitwan National Park: Established in 1973, this park is UNESCO heritage site since 1984. The core area of the park is 932 Km2 where buffer zone is 750 Km2. Being one of the best national parks in south Asia, it is sweet home of 600 plant species, 539 birds, 56 mammals and 49 amphibians and reptiles. One � Horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tigers, monkeys, leopards, wild boar, wild dogs, wild cats, python, gharial, and marsh crocodile are found in Chitwan National Park. Moreover, hornbills, peacock/hen, red-headed trogon, woodpeckers are some of the local bird species here. Paradise flycatcher, parakeets and Indian pitta are the summer migrants. On the other hand, Siberian birds like pintails, waterfowl and bar-headed geese can be seen in winter. -
CHITWAN TO POKHARA
Today we drive to Pokhara , which is another beautiful town you visit during your outing in Nepal. On the way, you will enjoy landscape photography along with the beautiful views of countryside.
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POKHARA TOURS
Early in the morning, we will have sunrise tour. After breakfast and in the afternoon, we will visit cave, waterfall, river gorge, temple and the coast of the lake.
Pokhara: The term 'Pokara' is the deviated form of 'Pokharee' which means 'Lake'. So, simply speaking, Pokhara is the city of lakes. However, this second largest town of Nepal is equally famous for natural caves which are older than 5000 years. David Fall is one of the natural wonders where water goes in the earth that can be seen from the lower part of Gupteshwar - the Cave of Hidden God. Sarankot is an ideal hillock to enjoy paragliding and breathtaking scene of sunrise above the Himalayas. The town has most famous Fewa Lake with a shrine on its island. Pokhara, the most visited town by the outsiders and native tourists, is also the choice of those who are fond of boating. -
POKHARA TO KATHMANDU
In order to complete your round tour in Nepal, today we are leaving Pokhara for Kathmandu. It's 6 hours' scenic drive (200 Km). If you are thinking of flight, it takes just 30 minutes to arrive in Kathmandu airport. Today you have free afternoon for additional exploration/relaxation or for the preparation for your final departure.
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FINAL DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU
After breakfast, you will be picked up to transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. We would like to thank you for providing an opportunity to operate your tour in Nepal. Have safe journey. Namaste!
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